South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa marked the 30th anniversary of the country’s freedom and democracy by calling for a period of reflection and evaluation. Addressing the nation, Ramaphosa urged South Africans to consider the significant strides made while acknowledging the persistent challenges, particularly concerning the advancement of women.
Despite progress, Ramaphosa highlighted the enduring inequality within the nation. He pointed out that poverty continues to disproportionately affect black women, who face higher rates of unemployment, poverty, and lack of skills compared to their counterparts. Cultural norms, many of which are remnants of colonial and apartheid-era practices, still hinder women’s progress.
The legacy of apartheid, which disrupted families by sending men away as migrant laborers, left many women and children to manage on their own. Traditional practices further restricted young girls, often confining them to domestic roles and denying them education.
Over the past three decades, significant strides have been made in improving the status of South African women, built upon years of struggle and advocacy. The annual commemoration of Women’s Day on August 9 honors the historic 1956 protest by over 20,000 women who marched to the Union Buildings against discriminatory pass laws. Their courageous stand, symbolized by the powerful chant “Wathint’abafazi, Wathint’imbokodo, Uza kufa!”—translated as “You strike the women, you strike a rock; you will be crushed!”—has become an enduring emblem of women’s resilience and strength.
